A £2.99 patio cleaner from Home Bargains has been praised for tackling green stains on paving slabs, with one shopper claiming it worked better than the £16 alternative.
Patios collect dirt, grease and organic debris throughout the year. While summer may seem like the best time to get them looking their best, it is also when they see some of their heaviest use. Foot traffic, barbecues and outdoor dining all add to the build-up of grime, while dry weather allows airborne particles to settle on hard surfaces.
Pressure washers are a popular way to tackle the mess, but they can cause damage if used incorrectly. Specialist cleaning products offer another option, although some cost upwards of £15. With autumn on the way, now is the perfect time to get your patio sparkling before the weather turns.
Shopper's before-and-after footage
The Spear and Jackson Select Path and Patio Cleaner 2.5L appeared to clear green staining in before-and-after footage shared by Laura, who posts on TikTok as @lauramarietaylor. She wrote alongside her video: "Don't spend £16 on Monty's. Get this bargain from Home Bargains."
The Spear and Jackson cleaner is described as a "powerful outdoor solution" that removes lichen, mould and algae to "restore your garden paths and patios to their natural beauty with ease".
Laura's footage initially showed patio slabs covered in dirt and green moss and algae stains. After she applied the solution, the slabs looked markedly cleaner, with the green staining gone. She said she had also tried Monty's Miracle, but "it didn't even shift the green colour/moss".
Availability and usage
The Spear and Jackson patio cleaner is also available from B&M for £1.99, while Amazon sells a five-litre bottle for £12.89. Amazon reviewers have praised it as a "good product and does the purpose for which it's intended very well", although they noted that stubborn areas may need several applications.
The 2.5-litre concentrate makes between 12 and 13 litres of ready-to-use cleaner when mixed with four parts water to one part concentrate. Remove loose debris with a patio brush first, and rinse thoroughly with a garden hose once finished.
Natural alternative with vinegar
For those who prefer a natural alternative, Home Bargains sells white vinegar for £1. According to patio specialists RF Paving: "Vinegar is not only a kitchen staple but also a powerful patio cleaner. A balanced mixture of white vinegar and water is both effective at cleaning your patio slabs and eco-friendly."
The acetic acid composition in white vinegar makes it especially effective at removing moss from paving slabs. To prepare the solution, combine equal parts white vinegar and water. A greater proportion of vinegar makes a stronger mixture for more stubborn staining. Prices are correct at the time of writing.
